PNoy praises Davao security under Duterte

DAVAO CITY - President Aquino on Thursday praised the security situation in Davao City, saying that Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is cooperating closely with government forces. Aquino said he has tasked the security sector to implement "hardening" of security measures in Mindanao and prevent a spillover of the violence in some areas. "Parating lumalabas sa reports na may intention sa Davao in particular pero umiiwas sila dahil maganda ang seguridad dito at maganda ang palakad ni Mayor Duterte," he told reporters. "Good ang cooperation between the (local government unit) and security services and hopefully that will continue to deter," he added. News reports earlier said Duterte is mulling the cancellation of some of the activities in the annual Kadayawan Festival scheduled on August 16 after a spate of bombings in Mindanao. He said he will make a final decision on August 13 if the festival will push through. Meanwhile, the Philippine government is set to offer rewards for information that will lead to the capture of perpetrators behind the series of bombings in Mindanao. Aquino said at least 3 threat groups have joined forces to derail the peace process in Mindanao. He warned that those who want to challenge the authority of the State "will feel the full brunt, depth, and might of the State’s response."